It is generally held that Nathaniel and Bartholomew are the same person; born in Galilee he was brought to the Lord by Philip. The story is related in today's gospel and gives a good picture into the personality of Bartholomew.

First thing we notice is that he has a sense of humour. When Philip says that Jesus is from Nazareth, Bartholomew replies, "Nazareth, can anything good come from that place?" He is not overawed by the idea of this new preacher but is open to go and meet him.

Jesus tells us that "Here is an Israelite in whom there is no guile." Guile is a cuteness, smartness, of the world; a person with guile is a mocker and fun maker. Bartholomew is not like that.

Jesus goes on to say, "I saw you under the fig tree." Being under a fig tree, or sitting under a tree is an ancient way of saying, "I saw you in prayer or at meditation." Jesus had noticed Bartholomew at prayer and had obviously seen in him a man of depth.